The Variety School of Hawaii

Variety School of Hawaii, a proponent that children with learning differences think differently, provides challenging classes with small student-teacher ratios and a varied academic curriculum. Students with high functioning autism, ADD, ADHD and speech and other developmentally delayed challenges work with specialists trained in speech therapy, occupational therapy and gross motor skills. For the first time in its history, the school has launched a new music program and hired a music teacher.

Duane Yee Executive Director

The all-school program will provide students with a variety of opportunities for expression and sociability. For autistic children particularly, music encourages participation in groups, and expands their social skills. “Learning differences do not preclude a child from experiencing the full range of learning experiences.

We are committed to the life-long learning of the whole child,” says Director Duane Yee. Drawing on the skills of its teachers trained in the arts, the school may expand into theatre arts next, working with Honolulu Theatre for Youth.